London: Prince Charles has announced the engagement of Prince Harry and American actress Meghan Markle, Kensington Palace said in a tweet on Monday.
Prince Harry has informed his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II and other close members of the royal family.
The wedding will take place in spring 2018, according to Kensington Palace.
Meghan Markle wears her engagement ring. (Photo: AP)
The couple are expected to appear for a photo call at Kensington Palace on Monday afternoon and take part in a broadcast interview to be aired on Monday evening.
Markle, star of popular TV show Suits, was seen shopping in London this week.
The British press has reported that Markle has already met in private with Queen Elizabeth II.
The couple has been dating since 2016 and Harry has asked the press to grant them a certain amount of privacy.
Prince Harry and his fiancée Meghan Markle arrive in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace in west London following the announcement of their engagement. (Photo: AFP)
Markle is believed to be in the process of moving to London.
The 33-year-old ginger-beard prince is the fifth in line to the throne. The 36-year-old Markle is a well-regarded actress who was born and raised in California.
Prince Harry says he proposed to US actress Meghan Markle over roast chicken during an interview with the BBC https://t.co/Vs2wnK9LFh pic.twitter.com/MxUIHO8JXj
— AFP news agency (@AFP) November 28, 2017
The couple will live at Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace in London. The announcement said the couple had become engaged earlier this month in London.
In the statement, Prince Harry said he was delighted and had received the blessing of Markle's parents.
